Honda has officially unveiled the all-new Honda Prelude, reviving a legendary nameplate with a modern hybrid powertrain, striking coupe design, and underpinnings derived from the Civic Type R.
The Prelude, long known for blending everyday usability with spirited performance, makes its comeback as a sleek shooting-brake-inspired coupe. Its design emphasizes emotion and sportiness while retaining Honda’s reputation for practicality.
Exterior Design: Sporty Elegance Meets Practical Utility
The 2025 Honda Prelude debuts in a bold blue finish, showcasing modern daytime running lights, a full-width rear light bar, and a coupe-like silhouette. Vertical accents on both the front and rear bumpers add symmetry and aggression, while 19-inch black alloy wheels and performance blue brake calipers further highlight its sporty character.
At the rear, the liftback design provides versatility not usually associated with performance coupes. Honda engineered the cargo space to fit four full-size sports tires, allowing owners to drive to a racetrack, swap wheels, and return without the need for a trailer.
Honda Prelude Powertrain: 2.0-Liter Hybrid with Multi-Mode Driving
Under the hood, the new Honda Prelude features a 2.0-liter e:HEV hybrid engine delivering 200 hp. While official acceleration figures are pending, the system offers three distinct operating modes:
- Pure electric drive at low speeds and in city conditions
- Hybrid mode for mixed driving scenarios
- Direct combustion mode at steady motorway speeds (100–120 km/h) for maximum efficiency
For performance driving, the Honda Prelude introduces S+ Shifting, an emulated 8-speed gearbox that allows manual-style gear changes despite the hybrid system’s single-speed architecture. A new coasting mode enhances efficiency during relaxed driving.
Interior: Driver-Focused with Sporty Practicality
Inside, the Honda Prelude borrows elements from the Honda Civic, but adds unique sport-focused details. Highlights include:
- Flat-bottom steering wheel with tactile buttons and paddle shifters
- Blue-and-white sport seats, with a tighter bolstering design for the driver and a slightly more relaxed passenger seat
- Functional liftback cargo area, with 90 cm width and up to 1.55 m loading length when seats are folded
- Real buttons for climate control and volume, praised for their intuitive use and tactile feedback
- Digital driver display paired with a mid-sized infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
While the rear seats exist, they are best suited for children or extra storage due to limited headroom and leg space.
Suspension and Chassis: Civic Type R DNA
The Honda Prelude shares key components with the Honda Civic Type R, including:
- Chassis elements for rigidity
- Adaptive suspension with adjustable driving modes
- Performance braking system with blue calipers
These upgrades ensure that the Prelude delivers a balanced blend of everyday comfort and track-capable handling.
Background: Revival of a Honda Icon
The Honda Prelude, first introduced in 1978, enjoyed multiple generations as a beloved sporty coupe before its discontinuation in 2001. By reintroducing the nameplate, Honda aims to capture a new generation of enthusiasts seeking a hybrid sports car that balances efficiency with emotion.
With its combination of advanced hybrid technology, practical liftback utility, and Civic Type R underpinnings, the Prelude is positioned as a bridge between Honda’s everyday models and its performance heritage.
Conclusion
The new Honda Prelude signals Honda’s return to making cars “just about fun,” while staying true to the brand’s core values of reliability and everyday usability. With its 200 hp hybrid system, track-inspired chassis, and stylish coupe design, it brings back the excitement that made the Prelude name iconic—now reimagined for the electrified era.
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